What Food Can I Bring to USA? Here's What’s (NOT) Allowed
Importing certain food products into the USA is prohibited due to concerns about the spread of diseases. You must declare meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, and other food items on the customs declaration form completed on the plane. Failure to do so, and possession of prohibited items found during random inspections, may result in a fine of up to $10,000. So, which food items are allowed for import into the USA?
The rules outlined on this page apply to all travelers entering the USA. Food items are inspected in both checked and carry-on luggage. Food sent to the USA by mail is subject to the same regulations.
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Table of Contents
Prohibited Food Items When Traveling to the USA
❌ Alcoholic Beverages
Individuals under the age of 21 are not permitted to bring alcohol into the USA, even as a gift.
All travelers, regardless of age, are prohibited from importing absinthe containing the chemical thujone. Absinthe is considered thujone-free if it contains less than 10 mg of thujone per liter. Product labels must not suggest hallucinogenic, psychotropic, or mind-altering effects. Bottles violating these rules will be confiscated.
❌ Meat and Meat Products
Salami, ham, sausages, cured meats, schnitzels, and other meat products, including canned meat, are not allowed into the USA. This includes fresh, frozen, dried, smoked, and thermally processed meat.
❌ Milk and Dairy Products
Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and other dairy products are prohibited from import into the USA. Exceptions include liquid and powdered milk intended for infant consumption. Butter, powdered milk, and dairy products that do not require refrigeration are allowed.
❌ Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables cannot be imported into the USA. Fresh, frozen, dried, or home-preserved fruits and vegetables are prohibited. Industrially processed fruits and vegetables are allowed if they are heat-treated and hermetically sealed. Dry goods such as beans, dates, figs, raisins, nuts, and peas are permitted.
❌ Eggs
The import of raw eggs and foods containing raw eggs is prohibited. Industrially manufactured foods containing cooked eggs are allowed.
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Permitted Food Items When Traveling to the USA
✅ Alcohol
Individuals over 21 years old may bring 1 liter of alcohol into the USA duty-free. Importing larger quantities is not prohibited but may be subject to customs duties.
✅ Cigarettes, Cigars, and Tobacco
Up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 2 kilograms of tobacco may be brought into the USA duty-free.
✅ Tea
Both bagged and loose-leaf tea can be imported into the USA without restrictions. Herbal teas may be inspected, and import is allowed if they do not contain plants listed on the USDA’s prohibited substances list. For this purpose, it is helpful if the packaging includes the scientific names of the ingredients.
✅ Mushrooms
Fresh, dried, and otherwise processed mushrooms may be imported into the USA. The only condition is that they must be cleaned and free of soil residue.
✅ Coffee
There are no restrictions on importing coffee beans or instant coffee into the USA. Any quantity may be brought in.
✅ Spices
Most spices, including cumin and baking powder, can be imported without restrictions. The import of orange, lemon, and lime leaves and seeds is prohibited. Based on experience, poppy seeds are likely to be confiscated.
✅ Honey
Honey for personal use may be imported without restrictions.
✅ Dairy Products
Milk intended for infant consumption, whether liquid or powdered, is permitted in amounts sufficient for several days’ use. Butter, powdered milk, and dairy products that do not require refrigeration are also allowed.
✅ Flour, Rice, and Pasta
Flour, including wheat, rice, oat, or corn flour, is allowed. White, brown, and basmati rice may be imported as long as it is husk-free. Pasta is allowed if it does not contain fresh eggs.
✅ Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Soft drinks, mineral water, and other non-alcoholic beverages may be imported without restrictions. Juices and powdered drinks should be transported in their original packaging with listed ingredients. If deemed suspicious, customs officers may confiscate the product.
✅ Nuts
Nuts that have been boiled, baked, ground, oven-dried, pureed, steamed, or otherwise heat-processed are allowed. Food items containing nuts can be imported unless they violate other regulations.
✅ Bakery Products
Bread, pastry, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods may be imported without restrictions.
✅ Fish and Seafood
Fish, shrimp, and other seafood may be imported for personal use. They can be fresh, smoked, frozen, cooked, dried, or canned. Caviar from endangered species under the CITES Convention may be imported in quantities up to 125 grams per person; amounts exceeding this limit will be confiscated. The import of protected seafood species under CITES and US federal laws is prohibited.
✅ Sweets, Chocolates, and Snacks
All types of sweets (cookies, chocolates, bars, cereals) and snacks (chips, crackers) are allowed as long as they do not contain prohibited ingredients such as meat, fresh eggs, or dairy requiring refrigeration.
✅ Cooking and Baking Ingredients
Oils, including olive, canola, and sunflower oil, as well as mustard, ketchup, and other condiments, can be imported. Dry baking mixes are allowed if they do not contain meat, fresh eggs, or other prohibited ingredients.
✅ Cheeses
Hard cheeses such as Parmesan, Edam, or Cheddar can be imported if made from pasteurized milk.
Soft cheeses such as Camembert, Brie, Feta, Mozzarella, Ricotta, or cream cheese in brine cannot be imported unless they are made from pasteurized milk and are brine-free.
This article covers the majority of food items most frequently brought into the USA by tourists. A complete list of regulations for importing food into the USA can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Discussion (52)
Can I bring spices in baggies /bulk or do they need to be in original labelled packages? Can I bring peanut butter?
@carolyn brock: Hi, it should be ok in bulk. Peanut butter is doable as well. :)
Please, can I import smoked fish and prawn into US to personal homes.
@Ronke: Hello, the smoked fish and prawns are fine and you can pack them for your trip.
I don’t understand why they ban the import of meat and milk (including its products)? :/
I assume it’s because of the bacteria and disease in it? It is one thing to transport it “industrially” in containers with refrigeration and another to have it “just like that” in the suitcase.
I just tried sending a package that had; chips, chocolate bars, and a small jar of maple syrup to Texas and it got returned to me with “prohibited by FDA.” What about my package was wrong?
Hey, Kris, that’s weird. As far as I know, none of those products are banned. Wasn’t there some kind of homemade maple syrup?
Was wondering if cooked spiced potatoes would be allowed to bring into the US coming from a country that doesn’t have a special agreement for this kind of thing with the States.
@F.A.: Hey, most likely yes, as long as the potatoes are fully cooked, do not contain meat or fresh plant material, and are intended for personal consumption. However, you must always declare these food items upon arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who have the final decision.
Can I bring cut vegetables (around 4 lb) for personal use.
@David Palmer: Hi, David. Cut vegetables intended for personal consumption are generally permissible to bring into the United States, provided they meet stringent USDA and APHIS requirements. You must declare all agricultural products upon arrival, and certain types of produce may be restricted or require additional inspection.
Hey Petr
can i bring veal stock (or base) for personal use cooking from France?
Thanks
@Yannick: Hey Yannick,
Yes, you can bring veal stock (or base) for personal use when traveling from France to the US, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Veal stock must be declared to customs upon arrival. It’s essential to be clear that you are bringing it solely for personal consumption. You should also ensure that the veal stock is commercially packaged and unopened. Any homemade or loosely packed items may be denied entry.
hi i am travelling from india to dallas,texas in USA. can i carry legumes(Raw dal), rice, wheat flour, Besan(chana flour),presure cooker,belan,chakla with me for personal use in limited quantity.
@ANKIT GUPTA: Hi Ankit,
Yes, you can carry most of these items to the U.S., but with some restrictions. Legumes (raw dal), rice, wheat flour, and besan are generally allowed if they are clean, dry, and free of pests, though some agricultural products may require inspection. Pressure cookers, rolling pins (belan), and chakla are allowed as part of personal items in checked baggage. However, avoid carrying fresh fruits, vegetables, or items with seeds that could violate agricultural regulations. It is recommended to declare all food items at customs to avoid fines. :-)
I am in Cebu City Philippines and would like to bring home to the states some commercially packaged dried Mango slices.
@Tiger Thomas: Hi Tiger, commercially packaged dried Mango slices are ok to travel with. :-)
PS: Dried mango is the most yummy thing! ❤️🥭
Hey!
Im just thinking can i bring Salmiakki to USA?
@Petra: Hi Petra, salmiakki (candy) should be totally fine. :)
I’m traveling back to the US can I bring canned corned beef, canned luncheon meat and massages oil?
@Maria: Hi Maria,
you can generally bring commercially packaged, shelf-stable canned meats like corned beef and luncheon meat into the U.S., but they must be labeled and unopened.
Can I bring cooked salted duck eggs to US?
@LZ: Hi LZ,
bringing cooked salted duck eggs into the United States is generally not allowed. Even if the eggs are cooked and commercially packaged, they may still be confiscated at the border unless they meet specific USDA import requirements. To avoid issues, it’s best not to bring them. If you still wish to try, declare them upon arrival – failure to declare food items can result in fines. :-)
Can I bring commercially canned herring to the US?
@Maria Stedfeldt: Hi Maria, yes, you can bring commercially canned herring to the U.S.
Good evening Petr,
I will be flying to PHX from YVR on July 3rd and I was asked to bring grilled chicken from a restaurant. Enough for 2 people. Am I able to bring that through US Customs?
@Maria: Hi Maria,
yes, you can generally bring cooked, prepared chicken, such as grilled chicken, into the U.S. from Canada for personal use, as long as it is fully cooked and intended for immediate consumption. CBP allows most fully cooked poultry products from Canada, since Canada is not considered a high-risk country for animal diseases like avian influenza. However, the food must still be declared upon arrival.
Can I bring porridge oats and wheat bran used for breakfast cereal into US.
@John: Hi John, you may bring porridge oats and wheat bran into the United States – as long as you declare them to CBP upon arrival. :-)
Is it possible to bring marmalade (a preserve made from sugar and oranges) into the US?
@Jim Kelly: Hi Jim, yes, you can bring marmalade into the US. But don’t forget to declare it on the customs form. :)
Hello, I would like to consult about the import of these instant products to the USA – all industrially processed:
1. instant soups – just add water
2. vegetable soups – are those that contain meatballs cooked?
3. instant oatmeal with dried fruit
4. instant pasta with cheese sauce
5. bags of industrially dried fruit – by heat or freeze-drying.
Thank you, Lída.
@Lída: Dobrý den, Lído :)
✅ 1. Instant soups – just add water
Allowed if meat-free and in sealed commercial packaging.
❌ 2. Dry vegetable soups with meatballs
Not allowed if they contain any meat, even dried or cooked.
✅ 3. Instant oatmeal with dried fruit
Permitted if factory-sealed and without fresh ingredients.
✅ 4. Instant pasta with cheese sauce
Allowed if completely meat-free and shelf-stable.
✅ 5. Bags of industrially dried fruit (heat or freeze-dried)
Generally permitted if free from seeds and properly labeled.
Hello, I would like to consult about the import of these items:
Dry shrimp
Fish Floss
Lotus Heart
Dried squid
Dried Longan
Dried red apple
Thank you
@Thanh: Hi Thanh!
For personal baggage, dried shrimp, fish floss, and dried squid are generally admissible if they are commercially packaged, shelf-stable, and properly declared on arrival. Most seafood products are not regulated by APHIS, but CBP will still inspect them. You must ensure they do not contain any protected species, and FDA labeling rules for food products must be followed. :-)
Lotus heart, when intended for use as an herbal-tea ingredient, is typically allowed as long as it is non-propagative, commercially packaged, and declared. It should be clearly labeled for personal consumption and not for planting.
Dried longan and dried red apple are more restricted. Many dried fruits and vegetables are prohibited unless they meet specific entry requirements set by the USDA and APHIS. You should keep them in their original sealed packaging and be prepared for possible inspection. In some cases, only canned or fully processed fruit products are allowed without restrictions.
Always declare all agricultural and wildlife products to CBP, keep them in original packaging with visible ingredients and country of origin, and be aware that the final decision on admissibility is made at the port of entry. If you plan to ship these items to the U.S. or import them for resale, additional FDA requirements may apply, including prior notice and facility registration. :-)
Hi,
Can I take kina (sea urchin) to the US – non-commercial use?
@Helen: Hi Helen,
yes, you can bring kina (sea urchin) into the United States for non-commercial, personal use, provided you carry it with you and declare it on arrival. Seafood for human consumption is generally admissible in personal quantities, and shellfish or fishery products for consumption are exempt from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service clearance and the wildlife declaration form.
hello
iam going to turkey, can i bring with me turkish lahmacun
@Maan: Hello Maane, unfortunately I don’t know that. This website focuses on travel to the USA. :-)
hi my name is Angela and im planning on going to Japan for the first time in summer 2026. What types of souvenirs can i bring with me to the USA?
Canned cake? toys? stationary supplies without any paper cutters or sharp tools? coffee beans or ground coffee? dried goods such as a small bag of rice? thank you for your patience :)
@Angie: Hello Angie!
For a trip to Japan, you can bring many typical souvenirs into the United States as long as you declare all food and agricultural items on arrival and keep quantities clearly for personal use.
Canned cake and other baked goods are generally admissible if they are commercially packaged and contain no meat, and commercially canned or processed foods are typically allowed, but you still must declare them. Toys and ordinary stationery without blades or sharp tools are fine.
Coffee is straightforward: roasted coffee and ground coffee are allowed, and even green coffee beans are permitted when you enter the continental US. Rice is more sensitive because it can harbor stored-grain pests. From Japan, a small retail bag of polished, pest-free rice is usually admissible after inspection, but you must declare it.
If an item you declared turns out not to be admissible, officers will typically just seize it rather than fine you. :-)
Are imported commercially sealed packaged salami slices from Costco for my personal consumption OK to bring into USA from Canada?
THANKS for your reply!
@Lynn Young: Hi Lynn!
Yes – if the salami is a product of Canada or the U.S., in unopened retail packaging, clearly labeled with country of origin, and you declare it at entry. APHIS explicitly allows travelers to bring cooked/cured meats (including pork and beef) from Canada for personal use, with a typical limit of up to 50 lb per traveler, subject to inspection.
Can I bring in the following items from Japan ?
* miso paste, organic
* soy sauce, organic
* red beans (azuki) and white beans organic
* cooking timer with no battery
* alarm clock with no battery
* yogurt maker
* baking fermenter (dough proofing heater for personal use) boxed weight about 21 lbs
Also, Do I need or good idea to attach receipts for kitchen stainless items and all the clothing I have been using in Japan to send to the U.S. ?
I appreciate for your assistance !
@Nina: Hi Nina, Yes. You can usually bring all of these items, but you must declare them and there are a few conditions.
Can I bring unpackaged dried chilis from Mexico to the us on a commercial plane?
@Linda: Hi Linda, yes. You can usually carry dried chilis in your luggage on a commercial flight, but the real issue is US customs when you land, not the airline. All agricultural products, including dried chilis, must be declared on your customs form and shown to CBP, and failing to declare them can lead to seizures and fines even if the food itself would have been allowed.
Can I bring beef OXO cubes to the USA
@Jessie Yarwood: Hey Jessie, I wouldn’t risk it.
The US is extremely strict about beef products from the UK due to BSE (Mad Cow Disease) regulations, so they will almost certainly be confiscated. If you do try to bring them, you must declare them on your customs form. If you don’t declare them and they are found, you face an instant fine of around $300.
It is much safer and easier to just buy alternatives like Knorr or “Better Than Bouillon” at a US supermarket once you arrive.